Police have launched a manhunt for a man accused of fatally shooting his wife and wounding another woman in Barangay Ubalde, Agdao District, on Sunday evening, July 5.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) identified the victims only by their aliases “Jemabel” and “Rovegen,” both fruit vendors and residents of Barangay Ubalde.
According to the initial investigation, the two women were attending their fruit stall along Orchids Street near Ubalde Elementary School at around 7:15 p.m. when the suspect arrived on a motorcycle. He allegedly stopped in front of the stall, fired several shots at the victims, and fled toward an unknown direction.
Witnesses, including Jemabel’s 13-year-old son, identified the gunman as her husband and the boy’s stepfather, prompting investigators to treat the case as a domestic violence-related incident.
Members of the Barangay Disaster Quick Reaction Team rushed the victims to the Southern Philippine Medical Center (SPMC), where Jemabel later died from multiple gunshot wounds at around 9 a.m. on Monday.
DCPO spokesperson Major Teresita Gaspan confirmed the victim’s death, while the second victim continues to receive medical treatment.
“Patay na po yung wife kanina mga 9 a.m. while ang isa is under observation,” Gaspan said.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspect, who remains at large.
Investigators are preparing charges of parricide for the death of Jemabel and frustrated murder for the wounding of the second victim. Authorities said they continue to gather evidence and witness statements as the investigation progresses.
